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Fergus, the book's protagonist, is a psychologist. He counsels his patients that cause and effect operate everywhere and always. He teaches that thoughts are causes and conditions are effects. "Effects produced by thought can be changed by thought," he writes. With that in mind, when Fergus has a chance meeting with Sarah, a minister's daughter and verbally abused wife, he must rein in his desire for her using the psychology he lectures about. In turn, Sarah is intrigued by Fergus's psychological beliefs and strives to put them to use to solve her marital problems.
The book’s title refers to the freedom to think, live creatively, and make healthy life choices. Bisbey presumably chose the title to accent the idea that our minds must not be constrained by rules and exams in school or in life. While not advocating anarchy, the book proposes that from a young age we must be provided a platform to explore creativity and curiosity rather than textbooks and tests. Likewise, adults can cure their bad habits or addictions through exploring their aspirations and curiosities that might have been squelched by conventional schooling and society's insistence that we follow strict social norms and literal religious teachings.
Deep and provocative, this book will keep readers pondering far beyond the last page. In fact, readers who try to apply the messages put forth by the author might find themselves changed forever. Bisbey is obviously a talented and well-educated writer. Her book flows smoothly, and even considering the heavy subject matter, it is an easy read. The vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure in the book are flawless. The author has produced a seamless masterpiece which leaves readers with much to think about.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review